Composite prosthetic bearing constructed of polyethylene and an ethylene-acrylate copolymer and method for making the same

Abstract

An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a polymer such as polyethylene or UHMWPE, whereas the second layer is constructed of a copolymer of ethylene and an acrylate. The ethylene portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to the polymer of the first layer, whereas the acrylate portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to commonly utilized bone cements. A method of making a prosthetic bearing is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross reference is made to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.265280-68002), entitled "Composite Prosthetic Bearing Having a Crosslinked Articulating Surface and Method for Making the Same" by Richard King, Todd Smith, and Donald McNulty which is assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and which is filed concurrently herewith.[0002] The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic bearing, and more particularly to a composite prosthetic bearing constructed of polyethylene and an ethylene-acrylate copolymer and method for making the same.[0003] Implantable prosthetic bearings such as acetabular bearings, glenoid bearings, tibial bearings and the like have typically been constructed from polyethylene. Indeed, Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is generally utilized in the construction of a prosthetic bearing due to its favorable characteristics in relation to the articulating surface of the bearing. Moreove...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0008] The present invention provides for an implantable prosthetic bearing constructed of a composite material having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has an engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. In certain embodiments, the first layer is constructed of a polymer such as polyethylene or UHMWPE, whereas the second layer

Problems solved by technology

Secondly, a typical prosthetic bearing design also includes locking features in the form of mechanisms such as pins, tabs, tapered posts, or the like for locking or otherwise securing the bearing to either another component associated with a prosthetic assembly (e.g., a metal shell or tray) or to the bone itself.

Another challenge associated with implantable prosthetic bearings relates to the construction of bearings which are

Images